Ex-Senator Abbo: Akpabio Runs Senate Like an Emperor

Former senator Elisha Abbo has criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of managing the upper legislative chamber with an authoritarian approach.

Abbo, who represented Adamawa North in the National Assembly, made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking on Prime Time, a program on Arise Television.

His comments were in reaction to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central and other punitive measures imposed on her following a seating arrangement dispute with Akpabio.

On March 6, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for “gross misconduct.” Alongside the suspension, the Senate committee recommended stopping her salaries and allowances, as well as those of her legislative aides. Additionally, her security detail was withdrawn for the duration of the suspension.

Abbo condemned these actions, arguing that stripping Akpoti-Uduaghan of her security exposed her to potential harm.

“He (Akpabio) sat like the emperor that he claims to be and ordered that Natasha be suspended for six months,” Abbo said.

“He also withdrew her security, stopped her salary, barred her from being seen near the National Assembly, and even directed the Inspector General of Police not to provide her with protection.

“In effect, he exposed her to danger. Withdrawing someone’s security in such a manner puts their life at risk. The IG later realized the gravity of the situation because if anything happened to Natasha, it would have serious consequences.”

Abbo further argued that Akpabio’s handling of the issue was unjust, recalling how a similar dispute involving Akpabio himself during the 8th Senate—under former Senate President Bukola Saraki—was resolved without such severe measures.

Regarding the ongoing efforts to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, Abbo dismissed the process as fraudulent, alleging that it was “marred by forged signatures.”

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